HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. - The Missouri State men's golf team is in fourth place and just seven strokes off the lead with 18 holes to play at the F&M Bank/Austin Peay Intercollegiate. The Bears fired 283-279--562 in Monday's (Oct. 19) 36 holes at The Links at Novadell, with the 279 being just a stroke off the school record for 18 holes. They trail just co-leaders UT-Martin and Belmont, which are at 555, and third-place Western Illinois, which has 556.

Freshman Kory Franks paced the Bears with a career-best 67 in the second round to go with 72 in the morning, placing him in a 12th-place tie with his 139 total. Teammate Mitch Mather was just a shot back in 14th place after posting 71-69--140, while fellow senior Joey Johnson was just another shot back and in 20th after shooting 70-71--141. Senior Brik Brauburger is tied for 32nd with 72-73--145 and freshman Adam Fisher carded 76-70--146 and is tied for 39th.

Playing as individuals, sophomores Brian Rogers and John Fuchs are 32nd and 59th, respectively, entering the final round. Rogers posted 71-74--145, while Fuchs shot 77-74--151. UT-Martin's Hunter Richardson is the leader in the medalist race after firing 68-65--133.

Trailing the Bears in the 11-team field are Murray State (563), New Orleans (568), Nicholls State and Austin Peay (570), Bradley (575), Tennessee State (579) and Eastern Illinois (581).

Tuesday's final round is scheduled for a 9 a.m. shotgun start.

36-Hole Results